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542F04021
Technologies for Treating MtBE and Other Fuel
Oxygenates
Fact Sheet and Order Information
Introduction
Fuel oxygenates, including methyl tert-butyl ether
(MtBE), have been widely used in the U.S. for the past
several decades as an additive to gasoline intended
to either boost octane ratings or to reduce air
pollution. The gasoline containing these oxygenates
has been stored in aboveground and underground
storage tanks at many facilities, including refineries,
terminals, service stations, and by end users; and
gasoline has been transported throughout the U.S.
via pipeline, barge, rail, and truck. As a result of
leaks and spills, MtBE, other fuel oxygenates, and
other gasoline components have been found in soil
and groundwater at these sites. In some cases,
drinking water sources have been contaminated.
Recently, more sites are being evaluated for the
presence of MtBE and other ethers and alcohols used
as fuel additives. These chemicals include ethyl tert-
butyl ether (ETBE), tert-amyl methyl ether (TAME),
diisopropyl ether (DIPE), and tert-amyl ethyl ether
(TAEE), as well as alcohol compounds such as tert-
butyl alcohol (TBA), tert-amyl alcohol (TAA), ethanol,
and methanol. Regulators and others involved in
cleanups and affected drinking water systems need
more information on remediation alternatives for fuel
oxygenates, and how they differ from those for fuel
components addressed in the past, primarily
benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX).
EPA has prepared the following report to provide
information on ways to treat oxygenates in soil,
groundwater, and drinking water.
Contents of Report
.,) Technologies For Treating UffiE
y and Ottar Fuel Oiygenatea
Techno/ogies for Treating
MtBE and Other Fuel
Oxygenates provides an
overview of the treatment
technologies used to
address groundwater, soil,
and drinking water
contaminated with MtBE
and other fuel oxygenates.
The treatment methods
discussed include:
*J* Air Sparging
<• Soil Vapor Extraction
<* Multi-Phase Extraction
In situ Bioremediation
In situ Chemical Oxidation
Pump-and-Treat and Drinking Water Treatment
Permeable Reactive Barriers
Phytoremediation
In situ Thermal Treatment
Information in the report can be used to help
evaluate technologies based on their effectiveness
at specific sites. The report summarizes available
performance and cost information for these
technologies, examples of where each has been
used, and additional sources of information.
Related Efforts
In addition, EPA has prepared an online database of
profiles for remediation and drinking water sites that
are addressing MtBE and other fuel oxygenates. The
MtBE Treatment Profiles are accessible at
vvww.c/u/n.org/products/mffae. As of August 2004, the
website contained 390 project profiles. Profiles contain
data on completed and ongoing treatment projects.
Each profile contains the following information:
*!* Project information (e.g., site background and
setting)
Technology design and operation
Cost and performance information
Point(s) of contact
References
EPA invites project managers, site owners, and
technology vendors to update existing MtBE
treatment profiles or add new profiles to this website.
Additional EPA resources about MtBE are available at
www.epa.gov/swerustl/mtfaeandwww.epa.gov/mfbe.
Order Information
To order Techno/og/es for Treating MtBE and Other
Fuel Oxygenates (EPA 542-R-04-009), please call
1 -800-490-91 98. The report can be ordered online
at www.epa.gov/ncepihom, or downloaded at
www.duin.org.
For additional information, please contact
Linda Fiedler, EPA Office of Superfund Remediation
and Technology Innovation, at fiedler.linda@epa.gov
or (703) 603-7194.
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Solid Waste and EPA542-F-04-021
Emergency Response October 2004
(5102G) www.epa.gov/Ho
www.cluln.org
National Service Center for
Environmental Publications
RO. Box 42419
Cincinnati, OH 45242
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use $300
Technologies for Treating MtBE and
Other Fuel Oxygenates
Fact Sheet and Order Information
Order Form
To order Techno/ogies for Treating MtBE and Other Fuel Oxygenates (EPA 542-R-0-4-009) please call 1 -800-490-9198,
or complete this form and mail or fax it to:
National Service Center for Environmental Publications Order or>-|ine at
RO. Box 42419
Cincinnati, OH 45242-2419
Fax: (513)489-8695
www. epa.gov/ncepihom
or download free copies from
www. c/u in.org.
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